France's Socialists seek to simplify complex Work Code

PARIS (AP) — France's unpopular Socialist government is trying to boost the French economy by reforming and simplifying its baffling Work Code — among the most complicated in the world.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the measures would make the rules that govern businesses "more understandable" and more adapted to the 21st century. He says the reforms, which are doing to be rolled out over two years, will increase economic competitiveness.

France's sacred 35-hour work week would not be affected. France's 700 works branches will be reduced to 200, getting rid of separate rules for jobs as obscure as Amazonian guides.

Former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has attacked the reforms as lukewarm, saying they'd have "no effect in the short term on the life of businesses."